I saw Reggie Watts on Friday, who was an absolutely incredible performer. Both a comedian and a musician, Watts's performaces are improvised acts that blend stream-of-conscious storytelling with incredible beats and comedy. He used a looping machine and a piano, very quickly veering from a musical performance to comedic storytelling to everything in between.
As reviewed by Brian Eno: ""Reggie Watts is a most unusual talent: a huge vocal range, a natural musicality, and a sidesplitting wit. Is he a comedian? A singer? A performance artist? I've seen him a few times since then and I still can't decide. Whatever, he ain't like nobody else."
And that is how Reggie Watts is. See him if you ever can.
Showing posts with label Highline Ballroom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Highline Ballroom. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Early November NYC Adventures
I would say my fun last week began on Wednesday, November 3, when I met up with my friend to eat dinner at DuMont in Williamsburg. With a heated backyard garden and a pan-seared scallops special, my dining experience at DuMont was truly exquisite.
(The heated backyard garden at DuMont, open and airy,
and even more romantic and alluring by night.)
Then on Thursday, November 4 was Yelle at Highline Ballroom. Although I understood only a handful of the words in Yelle's lyrics, the songs are truly infectious, with high-energy rhythms and the lilting sounds of Yelle's titillating French.
And on Friday, I had yet another lovely Williamsburg dining experience: at Dressler's, located in South Williamsburg incredibly close to me. Dressler's is easily the most upscale place I have yet dined at in Williamsburg, with its charmingly decorated interior accentuated with classy chandeliers. Although my date was unable to secure reservations (unless we wanted to eat close to 10 pm), we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the bar, accompanied by a seemingly unending stream of fresh rolls. And topped off with a fresh apple tart. I do have to warn, it's not the most vegetarian-friendly place for dinner. This just means I'll have to return soon to Dressler's to try their brunch...
(Dressler's, above)
Yum. It has been a delicious week.
And speaking of delicious, I also finally redeemed a LivingSocial special for a box of handcrafted chocolates at Bespoke Chocolates, a simple, elegant chocolaterie in the East Village. Bespoke's profile on their website reads:
"Bespoke Chocolates is an award-winning artisanal chocolaterie established in New York City in 2008. Bespoke Chocolates specializes in the production of luxury handcrafted chocolates created with the freshest ingredients. Our chocolates are of the finest quality on the market, marrying classic European techniques with modern flavor profiles. Our Bespoke Chocolate shop, located in New York City’s East Village, features an open kitchen, allowing our guests to watch and interact with our chocolatier. It also serves as a unique destination for experiencing chocolate through regular in-store classes, tastings open to the public, and private sessions with our chocolatier for groups or corporations."
With chocolate morsels such as pretzel-covered sea-salted caramels, Turkish coffee bonbons and orange-infused dark chocolate, Bespoke Chocolate's diverse array more than compensates for is small size. I may just have to find out when the next chocolate tasting is.
And last night I discovered an East Village staple, Heather's, a very inconspicuous "dive" bar on East 13th St. (Personally, I see this place as more lounge than dive bar; it is simple and clean without being pretentious.) It was so refreshingly free of 22-year-olds and loud frat-party types that I felt like I was back in Williamsburg, that is, before Williamsburg also became flooded with people from outside hoods and boroughs. Yelpers also rave about their happy hour and DJ's.
So many places to try and so many places to try again.
(The heated backyard garden at DuMont, open and airy,and even more romantic and alluring by night.)
Then on Thursday, November 4 was Yelle at Highline Ballroom. Although I understood only a handful of the words in Yelle's lyrics, the songs are truly infectious, with high-energy rhythms and the lilting sounds of Yelle's titillating French.
And on Friday, I had yet another lovely Williamsburg dining experience: at Dressler's, located in South Williamsburg incredibly close to me. Dressler's is easily the most upscale place I have yet dined at in Williamsburg, with its charmingly decorated interior accentuated with classy chandeliers. Although my date was unable to secure reservations (unless we wanted to eat close to 10 pm), we enjoyed dinner and drinks at the bar, accompanied by a seemingly unending stream of fresh rolls. And topped off with a fresh apple tart. I do have to warn, it's not the most vegetarian-friendly place for dinner. This just means I'll have to return soon to Dressler's to try their brunch...
(Dressler's, above)Yum. It has been a delicious week.
And speaking of delicious, I also finally redeemed a LivingSocial special for a box of handcrafted chocolates at Bespoke Chocolates, a simple, elegant chocolaterie in the East Village. Bespoke's profile on their website reads:
"Bespoke Chocolates is an award-winning artisanal chocolaterie established in New York City in 2008. Bespoke Chocolates specializes in the production of luxury handcrafted chocolates created with the freshest ingredients. Our chocolates are of the finest quality on the market, marrying classic European techniques with modern flavor profiles. Our Bespoke Chocolate shop, located in New York City’s East Village, features an open kitchen, allowing our guests to watch and interact with our chocolatier. It also serves as a unique destination for experiencing chocolate through regular in-store classes, tastings open to the public, and private sessions with our chocolatier for groups or corporations."
With chocolate morsels such as pretzel-covered sea-salted caramels, Turkish coffee bonbons and orange-infused dark chocolate, Bespoke Chocolate's diverse array more than compensates for is small size. I may just have to find out when the next chocolate tasting is.
(Above, the Turkish coffee bonbon.
As described on BeSpoke Chocolate's website:
"Soft Caribbean dark chocolate ganache, delicately infused with cardamom and coffee.
Not exactly a trip to Istanbul, but close enough for a Tuesday afternoon.")
As described on BeSpoke Chocolate's website:
"Soft Caribbean dark chocolate ganache, delicately infused with cardamom and coffee.
Not exactly a trip to Istanbul, but close enough for a Tuesday afternoon.")
And last night I discovered an East Village staple, Heather's, a very inconspicuous "dive" bar on East 13th St. (Personally, I see this place as more lounge than dive bar; it is simple and clean without being pretentious.) It was so refreshingly free of 22-year-olds and loud frat-party types that I felt like I was back in Williamsburg, that is, before Williamsburg also became flooded with people from outside hoods and boroughs. Yelpers also rave about their happy hour and DJ's.
So many places to try and so many places to try again.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
YELLE - Music Video, La Musique
Pretty sweet music video! Can't wait for the show tonight at Highline.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
NYC Quirky Party Lists
As I am taking it easy post-Halloween for a bit, I have time on my hands to write. So of course I end up writing about PARTY LISTS. Take a look.
Shaw Promotion, GBH, Ohmyrockness, Myopenbar, Nonsense NYC, 3rd Ward, Highline Ballroom and others are all mentioned.
Oh the constant temptation... ! But Yelle, I will see you soon!
The contagious energy of NYC...
Shaw Promotion, GBH, Ohmyrockness, Myopenbar, Nonsense NYC, 3rd Ward, Highline Ballroom and others are all mentioned.
Oh the constant temptation... ! But Yelle, I will see you soon!
The contagious energy of NYC...Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Post-Halloween NYC
I have to say, post-Halloween is a little sad to me.
Yes, I went out and voted today, and advertising and product placement make me all-too-aware that Thanksgiving and even Christmas (and my birthday, and the new year... ) are all around the corner. With daylight savings time ending next week, we will all get that little jolt that yes, winter is right around the corner, and the days are only getting shorter.
I don't mean to sound so dismal. Maybe my zombie-inspired costume somehow seeped into my thinking...
(me, above, as a zombie dancer, with my friend Dracula)
At least I have a show to look forward to: Yelle at Highline Ballroom this Thursday, with French Horn Rebellion.
(Yelle, above)
As was so succinctly said on a t-shirt I purchased at the last Yelle show I saw: Dance or die. (Apparently Dance or Die is a popular European techno group. And in some American versions, they are re-named Do or Die.)
So, Do or Die... life goes on!
Yes, I went out and voted today, and advertising and product placement make me all-too-aware that Thanksgiving and even Christmas (and my birthday, and the new year... ) are all around the corner. With daylight savings time ending next week, we will all get that little jolt that yes, winter is right around the corner, and the days are only getting shorter.
I don't mean to sound so dismal. Maybe my zombie-inspired costume somehow seeped into my thinking...
(me, above, as a zombie dancer, with my friend Dracula)At least I have a show to look forward to: Yelle at Highline Ballroom this Thursday, with French Horn Rebellion.
(Yelle, above)So, Do or Die... life goes on!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Top 10 Sunday Memorial Day Picks!!
So much going on today.
My top 10 choices are as follows, not necessarily in any particular order:
10) Union Docs, Last Summer at Coney Island: Benefit Preview Screening
As their website says, "In recognition of Coney Island’s newest amusement park opening Memorial Weekend, we’re hosting a benefit preview screening of JL Aronson’s upcoming documentary, Last Summer at Coney Island. We will screen a 93 minute fine cut version of the documentary. The film will be going to festivals soon but needs to raise money first to pay for all the archival imagery and music licensing. Last Summer is a thorough rendering of Coney Island’s roller coaster relationship with redevelopment, focusing on the last few years as the City, a private developer and the public all wrestled over the future of this legendary amusement destination. This is an important film about an important place and what better weekend to support it?" RSVP to info@creativearson.com to confirm your seat.
Union Docs is located at 322 Union Ave., in Williamsburg, off the Lorimer L stop.
It's Parade of Teeny Tiny Floats with a Big Bangin' Community Brass band through the streets of Dumbo to kick off the Toy Theater Festival. The parade will end at St. Ann's Warehouse, where there will be an opening reception (4 PM to 7 PM) for the Toy Theater Festival's Temporary Toy Theater Museum. Floats will be displayed in the lobby of the Warehouse for the duration of the afternoon. (38 Water St, DUMBO, BK, 3pm-4pm, FREE)
8) Oh! You Pretty Things: KILLER QUEENS
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121458101215953
tix: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/111498
Michael T, Benjamin Ickies, Shien Lee & Twig the Wonderkid present a musical homage to the brilliant talents of Queen, Roxy Music and David Bowie + Fashion Shows, Burlesque & Live DJs in a FabRock and Roll Dance Party. MC: NC Shuva. LIVE MUSIC: This Ambitious Orchestra (12:30 & 1:30), Michael T and the Vanities (11:30), Judas Priestess: America's All-Girl Tribute to Judas Priest (10:30), .357 Lover (9:30), Sorceress (8:30). FASHION SHOWS (12:30): Berit New York, Renee Masoomian, John Ashford. Late-Nite BURLESQUE: The Flying Fox, Nasta Canasta. GLAMTASTIC DJs: Twig the Wonderkid , Keanan Duffty [Slinky Vagabond], Dj Patrick , Kelle Calco [Colored Boys]. Spin: Glam Rock, Glam Punk and Glam Goth. Hosts: Kayvon Zand, Laura Rebel Angel, Lady Valtronic, Allure. Glam Make-overs: Miss Jayme Jennings. Photo booth: Steven Rosen Photography. Door: Thomas Onorato. Dress Code: Regal, Queenly, Foxy-Roxy, Leather Stache Gay Daddy channeling Freddie Mercury or Rob Halford, Brain Eno asexual fantasies, Ziggy Stardust or Thin White Duke [72-76] Roxy Music Cocktail "space lounge" Chic, Victorian, Futurist, Glam Punk Trash.
6) Body & Soul (Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves; 212-353-1600, websterhall.com; 6pm; $30, advance tickets $20). Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit deliver what their fans expect: deep and soulful house, classics and Afro-Latin rhythms.
5) Movie Night at Glasslands Gallery
This should be an awe-inspiring first annual animation screening. Enjoy a cold beer and relax as you watch amazing creatives unleash their power. In case you didn't know already, you most likely will not have to attend work the next day so stay late and delve into exciting conversations with your local artists. Featured Filmmakers include Alisa Stern & Peter Ahern, Andrew Hess, Bill Plympton, David Sheahan, Drew Henkels, Jacob Reinstein, James Buran, Jeffrey P. Martell, and Julia Pott. (Glasslands Gallery, 289 Kent, Wburg, BK, 8pm, $5)
4) Perez Hilton Saves the Universe
As the website describes, the musical comedy "explores a normal day in the life of celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton. Well, were it not for the plans of evil Islamic terrorists and Kathy Griffin. Throughout the course of the day, Perez must wrestle with the demons of love, ego and celebrity, all whilst saving Los Angeles from an imminent nuclear disaster."
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St; 212-539-8563, joespub.com; 9:30pm; $20)
3) Sunday Best, Dance Party
3) Le Cirque Feerique Dance Performance
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/106445
Step right up to the golden tent! With Le Cirque Feerique, Company XIV will delight and amaze, as they re-imagine your favorite childhood fairy tales as only Austin McCormick and his exquisite troupe can. Don't miss this Baroque confection for all ages, a magical menagerie of opera, dance, theatre and opulent design. McCormick incorporates a myriad of dance styles, fusing Baroque, classical ballet, flamenco, ballroom, contemporary partnering and Indian dance, along with contemporary movement.
The show includes an array of music, including pieces by Vivaldi, Aphex Twin, Lady Gaga and Bizet, and features a special guest, the Charites Baroque Opera Trio. This lush extravaganza includes classic fairy tales such as Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Princess and the Pea, The Brothers Grimm's The Fisherman and His Wife, Munro Leaf's Ferdinand the Bull and more. (thru 6/8, Saturdays 2PM and 7PM, Sundays 2PM and 5PM, Company XIV 303 Bond Theatre, 303 Bond St @ Union st, $30)
2) Donnell Rawlings, Comedy
He’s most recognizable as Ashy Larry onChappelle’s Show, for which he also wrote. But it’s Rawlings’s intelligent and confident stand-up that’s garnering attention now.
My top 10 choices are as follows, not necessarily in any particular order:
10) Union Docs, Last Summer at Coney Island: Benefit Preview Screening
As their website says, "In recognition of Coney Island’s newest amusement park opening Memorial Weekend, we’re hosting a benefit preview screening of JL Aronson’s upcoming documentary, Last Summer at Coney Island. We will screen a 93 minute fine cut version of the documentary. The film will be going to festivals soon but needs to raise money first to pay for all the archival imagery and music licensing. Last Summer is a thorough rendering of Coney Island’s roller coaster relationship with redevelopment, focusing on the last few years as the City, a private developer and the public all wrestled over the future of this legendary amusement destination. This is an important film about an important place and what better weekend to support it?" RSVP to info@creativearson.com to confirm your seat.
Union Docs is located at 322 Union Ave., in Williamsburg, off the Lorimer L stop.
- Sunday, May 30th at 7:30pm
- Suggested $9-20 sliding scale donation
- Filmmaker JL Aronson present to discuss this project after the screening, along with beer, hot dogs, candy apples and merriment.
It's Parade of Teeny Tiny Floats with a Big Bangin' Community Brass band through the streets of Dumbo to kick off the Toy Theater Festival. The parade will end at St. Ann's Warehouse, where there will be an opening reception (4 PM to 7 PM) for the Toy Theater Festival's Temporary Toy Theater Museum. Floats will be displayed in the lobby of the Warehouse for the duration of the afternoon. (38 Water St, DUMBO, BK, 3pm-4pm, FREE)
8) Oh! You Pretty Things: KILLER QUEENS
http://www.facebook.com/event.
tix: http://www.brownpapertickets.
Michael T, Benjamin Ickies, Shien Lee & Twig the Wonderkid present a musical homage to the brilliant talents of Queen, Roxy Music and David Bowie + Fashion Shows, Burlesque & Live DJs in a FabRock and Roll Dance Party. MC: NC Shuva. LIVE MUSIC: This Ambitious Orchestra (12:30 & 1:30), Michael T and the Vanities (11:30), Judas Priestess: America's All-Girl Tribute to Judas Priest (10:30), .357 Lover (9:30), Sorceress (8:30). FASHION SHOWS (12:30): Berit New York, Renee Masoomian, John Ashford. Late-Nite BURLESQUE: The Flying Fox, Nasta Canasta. GLAMTASTIC DJs: Twig the Wonderkid , Keanan Duffty [Slinky Vagabond], Dj Patrick , Kelle Calco [Colored Boys]. Spin: Glam Rock, Glam Punk and Glam Goth. Hosts: Kayvon Zand, Laura Rebel Angel, Lady Valtronic, Allure. Glam Make-overs: Miss Jayme Jennings. Photo booth: Steven Rosen Photography. Door: Thomas Onorato. Dress Code: Regal, Queenly, Foxy-Roxy, Leather Stache Gay Daddy channeling Freddie Mercury or Rob Halford, Brain Eno asexual fantasies, Ziggy Stardust or Thin White Duke [72-76] Roxy Music Cocktail "space lounge" Chic, Victorian, Futurist, Glam Punk Trash.
- The Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St, 8pm-4am, $15
6) Body & Soul (Webster Hall, 125 E 11th St between Third and Fourth Aves; 212-353-1600, websterhall.com; 6pm; $30, advance tickets $20). Joe Claussell, François K and Danny Krivit deliver what their fans expect: deep and soulful house, classics and Afro-Latin rhythms.
5) Movie Night at Glasslands Gallery
This should be an awe-inspiring first annual animation screening. Enjoy a cold beer and relax as you watch amazing creatives unleash their power. In case you didn't know already, you most likely will not have to attend work the next day so stay late and delve into exciting conversations with your local artists. Featured Filmmakers include Alisa Stern & Peter Ahern, Andrew Hess, Bill Plympton, David Sheahan, Drew Henkels, Jacob Reinstein, James Buran, Jeffrey P. Martell, and Julia Pott. (Glasslands Gallery, 289 Kent, Wburg, BK, 8pm, $5)
4) Perez Hilton Saves the Universe
As the website describes, the musical comedy "explores a normal day in the life of celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton. Well, were it not for the plans of evil Islamic terrorists and Kathy Griffin. Throughout the course of the day, Perez must wrestle with the demons of love, ego and celebrity, all whilst saving Los Angeles from an imminent nuclear disaster."
Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater (425 Lafayette St between Astor Pl and E 4th St; 212-539-8563, joespub.com; 9:30pm; $20)
3) Sunday Best, Dance Party
Sunday Best is a nice party for Sunday afternoons and evenings produced by resident DJs Doug Singer, Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin. Each weekend, they are joined by incredible guests while we get busy eating huaraches, drinking sangria, and dancing it all off. This week's guest is Michael Mayer (who plays the warmest, most melodic version of techno that we’ve ever heard)
3pm – 9pm
$8 before 4pm with RSVP@sundaybestnyc.com
$8 tickets available at Resident Advisor
$12 at the door
3) Le Cirque Feerique Dance Performance
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Step right up to the golden tent! With Le Cirque Feerique, Company XIV will delight and amaze, as they re-imagine your favorite childhood fairy tales as only Austin McCormick and his exquisite troupe can. Don't miss this Baroque confection for all ages, a magical menagerie of opera, dance, theatre and opulent design. McCormick incorporates a myriad of dance styles, fusing Baroque, classical ballet, flamenco, ballroom, contemporary partnering and Indian dance, along with contemporary movement.
The show includes an array of music, including pieces by Vivaldi, Aphex Twin, Lady Gaga and Bizet, and features a special guest, the Charites Baroque Opera Trio. This lush extravaganza includes classic fairy tales such as Charles Perrault's Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Princess and the Pea, The Brothers Grimm's The Fisherman and His Wife, Munro Leaf's Ferdinand the Bull and more. (thru 6/8, Saturdays 2PM and 7PM, Sundays 2PM and 5PM, Company XIV 303 Bond Theatre, 303 Bond St @ Union st, $30)
2) Donnell Rawlings, Comedy
He’s most recognizable as Ashy Larry on
Tonight, 7:30 pm, 10 pm
Carolines on Broadway, http://www.carolines.com
1626 Broadway (between 49th and 50th Sts)
Midtown West | Map
212-757-4100
N, R to 49th St; 1 to 50th St | Directions
Tickets: $33–$35 plus two-drink minimum
1) Freak Nasty, Erotic Poetry
May 30, 2010
upstairs
Doors @ 7 PM
$10.00
Freak Nasty is our Quarterly Erotic Poetry show, We hand pick the best of the best erotic poets and performers. Each event the line up is a little different but, Freak Nasty promises to please you right down to the core, every single time...this event is for the grown and sexy.
Wherever I end up, I am enjoying this sprawling Memorial Day weekend!!
1) Freak Nasty, Erotic Poetry
May 30, 2010
upstairs
Doors @ 7 PM
$10.00
Freak Nasty is our Quarterly Erotic Poetry show, We hand pick the best of the best erotic poets and performers. Each event the line up is a little different but, Freak Nasty promises to please you right down to the core, every single time...this event is for the grown and sexy.
Wherever I end up, I am enjoying this sprawling Memorial Day weekend!!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Last Night: Emiliana Torrini at Highline Ballroom
On a whim last night, I decided to take myself - by that, I mean, bike - to Highline Ballroom to see Emiliana Torrini. Torrini, hailing from Iceland, has a wonderfully lilted singing voice and puts on a charming, moving show.
Her opener, Anya Marina, was equally captivating. I am still chiding myself for forgetting to stop by the merch table and pick up their latest albums there... Definitely music worth checking out!
Pics and videos from the show to come!
I also hope to see more shows at Highline in the future -- it's a lovely intimate venue to enjoy live music and other performances!
Her opener, Anya Marina, was equally captivating. I am still chiding myself for forgetting to stop by the merch table and pick up their latest albums there... Definitely music worth checking out!
Pics and videos from the show to come!
I also hope to see more shows at Highline in the future -- it's a lovely intimate venue to enjoy live music and other performances!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Meow Meow Cabaret
I saw Meow Meow at Highline Ballroom yesterday. A cabaret singer tour-de-force, Meow Meow graced the stage with equal parts humor, sexiness, enchantment, bawdiness and political commentary.
She sang in French, German and English, and her repertoire included original songs as well as covers by such artists as Radiohead (she did a jarringly heartfelt, almost heart-breaking rendition of their song "Fake Plastic Trees") and Laurie Anderson.
Meow Meow's performance focused largely on economic issues; after her first song, she was stripped of her dress and jewelry and sang in her underwear, slip and tights. She went on to mock-complain that she could and should be performing on Broadway, but was left to perform at Highline Ballroom, in the middle of the old Meatpacking area, starving and under-appreciated.
Meow Meow performed a large portion of the show with a little girl she referred to as the orphan Isabel. "Much cheaper than adopting from China," she purred, leaving Isabel to sweep around the stage for comic effect. Yet Isabel, a girl of no more than 12 years of age, also exhibited a talented voice and some impressive tap-dancing skills. During quite a few of the songs, Isabel's innocent, youthful sound complemented Meow Meow's older, smokier, more sophisticated voice nicely.
The humor, the political commentary and the gorgeousness of the performance all combined for a spellbinding couple of hours with Meow Meow.
She sang in French, German and English, and her repertoire included original songs as well as covers by such artists as Radiohead (she did a jarringly heartfelt, almost heart-breaking rendition of their song "Fake Plastic Trees") and Laurie Anderson.
Meow Meow's performance focused largely on economic issues; after her first song, she was stripped of her dress and jewelry and sang in her underwear, slip and tights. She went on to mock-complain that she could and should be performing on Broadway, but was left to perform at Highline Ballroom, in the middle of the old Meatpacking area, starving and under-appreciated.
Meow Meow performed a large portion of the show with a little girl she referred to as the orphan Isabel. "Much cheaper than adopting from China," she purred, leaving Isabel to sweep around the stage for comic effect. Yet Isabel, a girl of no more than 12 years of age, also exhibited a talented voice and some impressive tap-dancing skills. During quite a few of the songs, Isabel's innocent, youthful sound complemented Meow Meow's older, smokier, more sophisticated voice nicely.
The humor, the political commentary and the gorgeousness of the performance all combined for a spellbinding couple of hours with Meow Meow.
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